MENU
- Home
- Overview
- Attorneys
- Practice Areas
- Firm News
- Blog
- Contact
After a car accident, the importance of obtaining proper medical care and documenting injuries cannot be overstated. Medical records play a significant role in proving the extent of injuries and connecting them to the incident. Without thorough documentation, it can become difficult to establish the impact of the accident on a person’s health and daily life.
Medical documentation refers to the official records created by healthcare providers during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. These records may include physician notes, imaging results, test findings, prescriptions, and rehabilitation plans. The information contained in these documents serves as a record of the injuries sustained and the treatment provided.
These records are also used to show the connection between the accident and the injuries. For instance, a doctor’s assessment can indicate whether certain conditions were caused directly by the incident. Without these records, proving the severity of injuries and the necessity of treatment becomes more difficult.
Medical documentation is important because it provides clear evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident. These records serve as objective proof for insurance companies or during legal proceedings. The documentation also details the type and extent of treatment needed, which can be essential in calculating fair compensation.
Accurate medical records also help establish the timing of the injuries, showing that they were caused by the accident rather than a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies often scrutinize claims for inconsistencies, and a lack of proper documentation may weaken your case. By seeking immediate medical attention and following up on care, you create a comprehensive record that supports your claim.
Comprehensive medical documentation should include the following:
It is also important to keep records of follow-up visits and any changes in your condition. These details demonstrate how the injuries have affected your ability to work or participate in daily activities.
When medical documentation is missing or incomplete, it can weaken the evidence supporting your claim. Insurance companies may argue that the injuries are not as serious as stated or that they are unrelated to the accident. Without a comprehensive record of treatment, it becomes harder to prove that the medical expenses and pain and suffering are directly tied to the collision.
Missing documentation can also delay the claims process, as the lack of evidence may require additional investigation. To avoid this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, follow prescribed treatments, and maintain all records related to your care.
Medical records provide detailed evidence of how accidents impact health and lifestyles. These records can show how injuries have affected your ability to work, participate in recreational activities, or complete everyday tasks. For example, documentation of ongoing pain or mobility issues can demonstrate that you were unable to work.
Records can also support claims for emotional damages, such as anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A mental health professional’s notes or treatment plan can be included in your overall documentation, offering a more comprehensive view of the accident’s impact.
Thorough medical documentation helps car accident survivors pursue fair compensation, and the New Castle car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are experienced with sourcing and presenting this evidence to build compelling cases. To schedule a free consultation, call our New Castle or Millsboro, Delaware office at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.